Yu deserves more game time, admits City coach

Yu Hirakawa’s “next step” after returning to the Bristol City starting lineup is to feature more regularly ahead of the festive period, says Gerhard Struber, with the Robins boss admitting he feels “a little bit sorry” for the winger, whose minutes have been limited.

- DANIEL CARTER

Struber handed Hirakawa his first League start since the August draw with Charlton against Wrexham last week. The Japanese partnered Anis Mehmeti, in the absence of Scott Twine, in attacking midfield as City were beaten 2-0 at the Racecourse by Phil Parkinson's side.

Twine was ruled out of the trip to North Wales, having suffered with soreness in the wake of the win over Swansea. However, the 26-year-old recovered in time to return to the starting lineup, in place of Hirakawa, for last weekend's win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.